God is a Refuge

One of my favorite things to do is to take time and pray in an old, beautiful church. There's nothing like entering the sanctuary of St. Patrick's Cathedral or Fifth Avenue Presbyterian (both in New York City) and leaving behind the quiet noise of the taxis and crowded streets.


Even an old Methodist or Episcopal Church often provides a beautiful atmosphere that helps me focus my prayers. There is nothing like pressing pressing mute on the busyness of life for a few minutes to find a quiet sanctuary and refuge from the noise and stress.

GOD AS A SANCTUARY
The Bible offers many verses that describe God as a refuge--a sanctuary. Here are a few:

“This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.” Ezekiel 11:16 

"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us." Psalm 62:8 

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1 

"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." Psalm 9:9 

"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble." Psalm 59:16

REFUGE IN A FOREIGN LAND
Following Christ can be a lonely journey in a hostile world. Many of us sit in silent agony as colleagues or acquaintances ridicule some aspect of our faith. Many of us feel spiritually isolated; we know we do not fit in. God wants us to learn an important lesson from these seasons of loneliness: our true citizenship is in heaven. When you feel like an outsider, remember that you are a citizen of heaven, and God promises to be your sanctuary in these foreign lands. * 

QUESTION:
In what ways can you turn to God as a sanctuary?

This paragraph was taken from a devotion in the New Mom's Prayer Bible, which I created for Zondervan